St Luke’s CofE Primary School in Cannock, Staffordshire, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 10 and 11, 2021. The school fosters a calm and safe environment where pupils feel proud to belong. The staff actively promote positive relationships and embody the school’s values of trust, respect, and open-mindedness, contributing to an inclusive community. High expectations from leaders, staff, and governors encourage pupils to enjoy learning and achieve well, developing into confident and compassionate individuals. Pupils express readiness for secondary school, highlighting the effectiveness of the educational experience.
The school community is characterized by kindness, respect, and care among pupils and staff. In lessons, pupils demonstrate attentive listening and a strong work ethic. Reports of bullying are infrequent, and staff are quick to address any issues that arise. Parental feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the education and support their children receive. The school offers various extracurricular clubs, including multi-sport, art, and gardening, which are well-attended and contribute to pupils’ personal development. Participation in these clubs allows pupils to earn points towards the ‘Children’s University’ and attend a graduation ceremony, celebrating their commitment to learning new skills.
The curriculum at St Luke’s is broad, and leaders have ensured that it outlines the knowledge and skills pupils need to learn in most subjects. This careful sequencing helps pupils build on prior knowledge and enhances retention. Classrooms are calm, and pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning, working well independently and collaboratively. The mathematics curriculum is particularly strong, with teachers demonstrating solid subject knowledge and effectively addressing learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pupils in early years confidently explore numbers, while older pupils successfully tackle complex problems.
However, there are areas for improvement. In subjects like history and geography, the curriculum lacks detailed mapping of the knowledge and skills to be learned, which affects the depth of study and retention of previous learning. While reading instruction is well-organized, some pupils do not engage with a wide range of literature, hindering the development of a lifelong love for reading. Leaders have plans to promote reading for pleasure more effectively.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), but there are instances where additional resources are not provided consistently across all subjects. This inconsistency can impede the progress of some pupils with SEND. Leaders are encouraged to extend successful strategies used in reading, writing, and mathematics to other areas of the curriculum.
St Luke’s has a strong safeguarding culture, with effective arrangements in place to ensure pupil safety. Staff are well-informed about the pupils and their families, enabling them to identify and address any concerns promptly. The school’s motto, developed in consultation with pupils, encourages them to communicate any issues they may face. Leaders and staff stay updated on safeguarding training and guidelines, ensuring a safe environment for all.
Overall, St Luke’s CofE Primary School continues to provide a good education, with a supportive community and effective leadership. The school is encouraged to refine its curriculum in certain subjects, promote a broader reading culture, and ensure consistent support for pupils with SEND to enhance the educational experience further.
